China lays out plan to become aviation powerhouse

14 December, 2018

SOURCE: Flight Dashboard

BY: Mavis Toh

Singapore

China’s aviation regulator has put out an action plan targeted at building the country into an aviation powerhouse.

These include building competitive airlines with extensive networks, expansive international hubs and domestic airports, a safe and efficient air traffic management system, as well as being able to lead the development of the international civil aviation industry.

Up to 2020, the focus will be on meeting the needs of the rapidly developing industry, and meeting shortfalls in areas such as infrastructure and airspace capacity, as well as personnel training. Thereafter, Beijing wants to become a global leader in air transport.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China adds that to build internationally competitive airlines, it will encourage the re-organisation of carriers, global mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic co-operation. It will also support the development of low-cost carriers, as well as regional and cargo airlines.

By 2035, China is targeting to have 450 airports, almost double the number of Chinese gateways at present. While doing so, it will focus on raising the competitiveness of Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai as international hubs, and hasten the development of airports in Chengdu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xian, Urumqi and Harbin.